NUR 2092 HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINAL
EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, in which order should the nurse perform the physical
assessment techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Percussion and palpation can alter bowel
sounds, so auscultation must be performed first.
2. A nurse is using the bell of the stethoscope during a cardiac assessment. Which sound is
the nurse most likely listening for?
A. High-pitched heart sounds like S1 and S2
,B. Low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs or bruits
C. Bowel sounds in the four quadrants
D. Firm pressure sounds like friction rubs
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is best for hearing low-pitched
sounds, such as S3, S4, and certain murmurs or bruits. The diaphragm is used for high-
pitched sounds.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and puff out their
cheeks. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
C. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the Facial nerve, controls facial expressions.
Symmetrical movement when smiling, frowning, or puffing cheeks indicates normal
function.
, 4. Which assessment finding is a characteristic sign of late-stage chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. Pectus excavatum
B. Increased tactile fremitus
C. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Barrel chest with a 1:1 AP diameter
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A barrel chest, where the anteroposterior (AP) diameter equals
the transverse diameter (1:1 ratio), is caused by hyperinflation of the lungs in chronic
conditions like COPD.
5. The nurse notes a patient’s radial pulse is weak and thready. How should the nurse
document this finding using the standard grading scale?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 0
Answer: A
EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, in which order should the nurse perform the physical
assessment techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion, Palpation
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection,
auscultation, percussion, and then palpation. Percussion and palpation can alter bowel
sounds, so auscultation must be performed first.
2. A nurse is using the bell of the stethoscope during a cardiac assessment. Which sound is
the nurse most likely listening for?
A. High-pitched heart sounds like S1 and S2
,B. Low-pitched sounds such as heart murmurs or bruits
C. Bowel sounds in the four quadrants
D. Firm pressure sounds like friction rubs
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is best for hearing low-pitched
sounds, such as S3, S4, and certain murmurs or bruits. The diaphragm is used for high-
pitched sounds.
3. During a neurological exam, the nurse asks the patient to smile, frown, and puff out their
cheeks. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
C. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve VII, the Facial nerve, controls facial expressions.
Symmetrical movement when smiling, frowning, or puffing cheeks indicates normal
function.
, 4. Which assessment finding is a characteristic sign of late-stage chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. Pectus excavatum
B. Increased tactile fremitus
C. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Barrel chest with a 1:1 AP diameter
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A barrel chest, where the anteroposterior (AP) diameter equals
the transverse diameter (1:1 ratio), is caused by hyperinflation of the lungs in chronic
conditions like COPD.
5. The nurse notes a patient’s radial pulse is weak and thready. How should the nurse
document this finding using the standard grading scale?
A. 1+
B. 2+
C. 3+
D. 0
Answer: A
